Galesburg alderman last night authorized Mayor John Pritchard to sign a letter of intent that will begin negotiations to possibly bring in reduced energy costs via solar arrays.This is something the city has been exploring for well over a year.
The letter of intent means the city will have 120 days to negotiate lease and power purchase agreements with solar energy company Community Power Group.
They’re proposing installing two solar arrays at Logistics Park, one at the Galesburg Airport and and two at the Oquawka Water Treatment facility.
Director of Planning and Public Works Wayne Carl explains that the city will lease the land on which the solar panels will be installed.
The power generated would go into Ameren’s grid and the city would buy back power, getting credits that effectively give taxpayers a reduced rate.
“The city would basically receive a credit on our power bill. They take our meter numbers from our various city buildings and we subscribe to the solar company’s solar power and we get credits back on our bill for that,” Carl says.
Carl says they expect energy savings of 35 to 40 percent on city owned buildings.
Estimated savings are $10 million for Galesburg over a 25-year span.
Community Power Group would also pay property taxes on the land they occupy.
